Read more about China passes national security law giving it sweeping powers over HK on Business Standard. The legislation published late Tuesday includes sentences as long as life in prison for the most serious category of crimes, including subversion of state power and collusion with foreign forces
Chinese President signed a landmark national security law for Hong Kong, a sweeping attempt to quell dissent that has already drawn US retaliation and could endanger the city’s appeal as a financial hub.
The legislation published late Tuesday includes sentences as long as life in prison for the most serious category of crimes, including subversion of state power and collusion with foreign forces. It took effect immediately. U. K.Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “deeply concerned” about the move while the Trump administration vowed “strong actions” if Beijing didn’t reverse course.
Hong Kong’s business community, democracy activists and Beijing-appointed leaders alike were largely observers as Chinese lawmakers completed the carefully orchestrated rollout of the legislation that will shape the city’s future. Lam, who had defended the law even as she acknowledged she hadn’t seen a full draft, said the local police force and Department of Justice were ready to enforce it.
“I am confident that after the implementation of the National Security Law, the social unrest which has troubled people for nearly a year will be eased and stability will be restored,” Lam said.
The measure to punish acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces comes on the eve of the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule in 1997. The organizer of an annual July 1 march that drew more than half a million people last year lost a last-minute appeal Tuesday to hold the event after being denied permission by police, who cited coronavirus risk and the potential for violence.
Some in the pro-democracy camp vowed to march regardless, and despite the threat of arrest. Prominent activists, including former student leaders Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow, cut ties with political groups Tuesday in an apparent attempt to avoid implicating each other.
